Holiday Bonfire brings annual cheer to downtown Riverhead

The riverfront parking lot was set ablaze with holiday cheer Saturday as the Riverhead Business Improvement District hosted its annual holiday bonfire.

Switching things up a bit this year, Santa showed up in a horse-drawn carriage instead of his usual arrival by boat. Families drank hot chocolate passed out by local girl scouts while children posed for photos inside Santa’s gingerbread house.

The fun continues Sunday with the Santa Parade down Main Street at 1 p.m.

Santa and Melissa Muller of the Riverhead Recreation Department. Melissa took photos of every visit with Santa to be posted on the Riverhead Recreation Department’s website. Riverhead Rec also built the Gingerbread House. (Credit: Elizabeth Wagner)

The Gilliam Brothers in matching Christmas outfits – they were the first family to visit with Santa. (Credit: Elizabeth Wagner)

Santa and Vanessa Denoon of Riverhead. (Credit: Elizabeth Wagner)

Santa and Natalie Tucci of Riverhead. Natalie tugged Santa’s beard to check if it was real. It is! (Credit: Elizabeth Wagner)

Event organizer and Executive Director of the Riverhead BID, Diane Tucci, posing for a photo with daughter Natalie Tucci, John Golden and Santa. (Credit: Elizabeth Wagner)